ulterior motive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! If you're stuck on "ulterior motive crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "ulterior motive crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ANGLE: A hidden or underlying aim, often not immediately obvious, giving someone an advantage.
6 Letters
AGENDA: A secret plan or set of aims, especially one that is selfish or manipulative.
REASON: The unstated cause behind an action, often concealed to serve a personal purpose.
7 Letters
DESIGNS: Secret or devious plans or schemes, particularly those intended to harm or deceive.
PURPOSE: A hidden or unrevealed intention behind an action, not openly declared.
More About "ulterior motive crossword clue"
"Ulterior motive" is a fascinating phrase often found in crosswords, challenging solvers to look beyond the obvious. It refers to a hidden or unstated reason for doing something, usually one that is not immediately apparent and often involves a personal gain or secret agenda. In crosswords, clues for "ulterior motive" will frequently hint at something concealed, underlying, or not openly declared.
To successfully tackle such clues, one must think about synonyms that capture this sense of secrecy or a hidden objective. Common answers range from direct synonyms like "agenda" or "design" to more subtle interpretations like "angle" or "reason" when the context implies something more profound than a simple cause. The key is to consider words that convey a deeper, often self-serving, intention that is kept from public view.
Understanding the nuances of "ulterior motive" not only helps in solving specific clues but also enhances one's overall crossword vocabulary, preparing you for similar cryptic or semantic challenges in future puzzles. Always consider the precise number of letters needed and the specific context of the clue to pinpoint the best fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts: When faced with clues like "ulterior motive," brainstorm words that mean hidden, secret, underlying, private, or real reason. A thesaurus can be a powerful tool.
- Consider Word Length Carefully: While "ulterior motive" is a long phrase, its crossword answers are usually shorter, more concise synonyms. Use the letter count to narrow down possibilities.
- Pay Attention to Nuance: Crossword setters often add subtle hints. Does the clue imply a negative or manipulative intention? This can guide you towards answers like DESIGNS rather than just PURPOSE.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to your advantage. Even one confirmed letter can unlock a difficult answer like ANGLE or AGENDA.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ulterior motive" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "ulterior motive" refers to a hidden, concealed, or undisclosed reason or purpose behind an action. Clues for it often lead to answers that are synonyms for a secret aim or intention, such as AGENDA or ANGLE.
How can I identify a clue pointing to an ulterior motive?
Look for keywords within the clue that suggest something is hidden, secret, real (but not obvious), underlying, private, or covert. The tone of the clue might also imply a manipulative or self-serving intent.
Are there common word lengths for "ulterior motive" answers?
While answers vary widely in crosswords, common lengths for synonyms of "ulterior motive" typically range from 5 to 7 letters. Words like ANGLE (5 letters), AGENDA (6 letters), REASON (6 letters), DESIGNS (7 letters), and PURPOSE (7 letters) are frequent solutions.